The cruelty-free makeup and beauty market is booming. Worth $14.8 billion in 2023, this industry is set to reach $23.5 billion by 2030. More people want cruelty-free makeup that doesn’t hurt animals.
NYX Cosmetics sits right in the middle of this change. As one of the top drugstore brands, NYX has built a strong following of people seeking ethical beauty products. But many shoppers wonder: Is NYX really cruelty-free? This guide gives you all the facts about NYX’s animal testing policy in 2025.
Is NYX Cruelty Free?
Yes, NYX is cruelty-free. The brand has maintained this status since 1999 because the brand is cruelty-free and meets all major standards. Here’s how NYX passes the 5-point verification system:
✅ No finished product testing – NYX never tests final products or ingredients on animals
✅ No ingredient testing – Individual ingredients aren’t tested on animals
✅ No supplier testing – Their suppliers don’t test on animals either
✅ No third-party testing – No outside companies or third parties test for NYX
✅ No sales in required-testing markets – NYX doesn’t sell in stores where animal testing is mandatory
NYX has been PETA certified since 2015 and proudly displays the “Beauty Without Bunnies” logo. When compared to other drugstore brands, NYX stands out for its clear, consistent policy.
| Brand | Cruelty-Free | PETA Certified | Price Range |
| NYX | ✅ | ✅ | $4-$25 |
| Maybelline | ❌ | ❌ | $3-$20 |
| Revlon | ❌ | ❌ | $5-$25 |
| e.l.f. | ✅ | ✅ | $1-$15 |
Does NYX Test on Animals?
No, NYX does not test its products on animals. According to their official website, “100% Cruelty Free since our founding in 1999, we have never tested on animals.” This means their products are not tested on animals at any stage. This policy covers:
- Finished makeup products
- Individual ingredients used in formulas
- Testing by suppliers or ingredient manufacturers
- Third-party testing companies
- Testing required by any government or law, as the brand avoids markets where animal testing is required by law.
NYX states this commitment clearly: “Products (and their ingredients) which are not tested on animals, nor do we ask others to test on our behalf.” The brand has stuck to this promise for over 25 years, even as they grew from a small startup to a global brand. Source
NYX’s Certifications and Third-Party Verification
NYX holds PETA certification through the “Beauty Without Bunnies” program. This certification requires companies to sign a pledge stating they don’t test on animals. NYX is certified by PETA, and the organization has verified NYX’s claims since 2015.
However, NYX is not Leaping Bunny certified. This might confuse some shoppers. It is a common misconception that brands can’t be fully cruelty-free without being certified, but certification is simply an extra verification step. Here’s the difference:
PETA Certification:
- Companies sign a pledge
- No ongoing monitoring required
- Free to obtain
- Covers current and future testing
Leaping Bunny Certification:
- More strict standards
- Requires supplier agreements
- Ongoing audits and monitoring
- Costs money to maintain
- Independent third-party verification
Both certifications are valid. NYX chose PETA certification, which still guarantees no animal testing. You can verify NYX’s status on PETA’s official database.
Is NYX Vegan? The Complete Breakdown
NYX is not 100% fully vegan, but they offer many vegan options. It’s important to know the difference:
- Cruelty-free = No animal testing. A brand can be cruelty-free without being vegan.
- Vegan = No animal-derived ingredients.
NYX clearly marks its vegan makeup products on its website with a “vegan” label. Based on their product catalog, roughly 60% of NYX products are vegan. Popular vegan categories where they offer vegan choices include:
- Most eyeshadow palettes
- Liquid lipsticks
- Eyeliners and pencils
- Setting sprays
- Many face primers
How to spot vegan NYX products:
- Look for the green “vegan” tag on their website
- Check the dedicated vegan section on nyxcosmetics.com
- Read ingredient lists for animal-derived items like carmine, beeswax, or lanolin to ensure the item is made without animal products.
Some NYX products contain animal ingredients like carmine (from insects) or beeswax. Always check labels if you follow a strict vegan lifestyle.
NYX and L’Oréal: What Parent Company Ownership Means
In 2014, L’Oréal bought NYX for $500 million. This worries some cruelty-free shoppers because L’Oréal is a parent company that tests on animals for some of its other brands.
But here’s the key point: NYX has kept its cruelty-free status despite being owned by a parent company. L’Oréal allows NYX to maintain separate policies and operate independently from the parent company on these matters.
This shows that companies can be fully cruelty-free while operating under a larger conglomerate. This happens with other brands too:
L’Oréal-owned cruelty-free brands:
- NYX Professional Makeup
- Urban Decay
- IT Cosmetics
L’Oréal brands that test on animals:
- Maybelline
- Lancôme
- L’Oréal Paris
Many shoppers believe that if parent companies are not cruelty-free, then none of their brands owned are truly ethical. Some shoppers choose to boycott all brands owned by a parent like L’Oréal. Others support individual cruelty-free brands regardless of who owns NYX. Both choices are valid – it depends on your personal values. Source
NYX and China: Understanding the Market Restrictions
China’s animal testing laws have changed significantly. Until 2021, all imported cosmetics sold in China required animal testing. This made it impossible for cruelty-free brands to sell their products there, as for many imports, testing is required by law.
NYX’s China strategy: The brand confirmed that they do not sell products in retail stores in mainland China. This means they avoid mandatory animal testing requirements.
2024 China law updates:
- Some “ordinary” cosmetics (including some skincare) can skip animal testing
- Products must meet specific safety requirements
- Manufacturing in China can help avoid testing
- Post-market testing may still occur for safety issues
NYX chooses to stay out of the Chinese retail market entirely. This keeps their cruelty-free status clear and simple. Other brands like MAC and Estée Lauder entered China and lost their cruelty-free status.
NYX’s Ingredient Sourcing and Ethical Practices
Beyond animal testing for cosmetics, NYX follows other ethical practices:
Mica Mining Policy: NYX sources mica through L’Oréal’s sustainable supply chain. The company works to eliminate child labor from mica mining operations. These broader sustainable commitments are a great indicator of their ethical practices.
Palm Oil Standards: Since 2010, 100% of NYX’s palm oil purchases meet RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification standards.
Packaging Goals: As part of L’Oréal’s 2030 sustainability plan, NYX is reducing plastic packaging and using more recycled materials.
Carbon Footprint: L’Oréal committed to carbon neutrality by 2030, which includes all NYX operations.
These efforts are a good indicator of their ethical compass and show NYX cares about more than just animal welfare.
How NYX Compares to Other Drugstore Cruelty-Free Brands
Many brands now offer affordable cruelty-free options. Here’s how NYX stacks up against other popular beauty brands:
| Brand | Price Range | Vegan % | Best For | Availability |
| NYX | $4-$25 | ~60% | Color variety, pro quality | Excellent |
| e.l.f. | $1-$15 | ~80% | Budget-friendly basics | Excellent |
| Milani | $3-$20 | ~40% | Italian-inspired shades | Good |
| Wet n Wild | $1-$12 | ~70% | Trendy colors, very cheap | Good |
| Essence | $1-$8 | ~50% | European quality, low prices | Limited |
NYX Pros:
- Huge color selection
- Professional-quality formulas
- Wide availability in stores
- Regular new product launches
- Strong online presence
NYX Cons:
- Not 100% vegan
- Owned by non-cruelty-free parent company
- Slightly pricier than some drugstore brands
- Some products contain controversial products or ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions About NYX
Is NYX cruelty-free according to PETA?
Yes, NYX appears on PETA’s official “Beauty Without Bunnies” list. They’ve held this certification since 2015.
Is NYX Leaping Bunny approved?
No, NYX is not Leaping Bunny certified. Some believe brands cannot be cruelty-free without this specific seal, but they chose PETA certification instead. Both are valid cruelty-free certifications with different standards.
What is the NYX makeup controversy?
The main controversy involves L’Oréal’s ownership. Some people boycott NYX because L’Oréal is a company that tests on animals. NYX itself remains cruelty-free because it operates independently from the parent company.
Is NYX makeup cruelty-free and vegan?
NYX is cruelty-free but not a 100% vegan brand. You can find many products that are vegan and cruelty-free within their range. Always check individual product labels.
Does NYX test ingredients on animals?
No, NYX confirms that neither they nor their suppliers test on animals. This policy covers both new and existing finished products or ingredients.
Bottom Line
NYX is genuinely cruelty-free and has been since 1999. They don’t test on animals, don’t sell in markets requiring testing, and hold PETA certification. While not 100% vegan, they offer many vegan options clearly marked on their website.
For cruelty-free shoppers: ✅ NYX is a safe choice for animal-friendly makeup
✅ Look for “vegan” labels if you avoid animal ingredients (they offer vegan products even if the whole brand isn’t vegan)
✅ Consider your comfort level with L’Oréal ownership
Action steps:
- Shop confidently – NYX meets strict cruelty-free standards
- Check vegan status – Use their website filter for vegan products
- Stay informed – Follow updates on company policies
- Support the cause – Choosing cruelty-free together drives market change